It is with great sadness that we announce the death of The Revd John Downs, aged 67, on Monday 17 November 2025.
John was ordained in Leicester in 1994. He served as a Self-Supporting Curate in the Benefice of Barlestone, and later as a Self-Supporting Minister in the Benefice of Markfield from 1996 to 2011. In 2011, John moved to serve in the Benefice of Newbold de Verdun, Barlestone and Kirkby Mallory as a Self-Supporting Minister until his passing. John held the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate in the Diocese of Coventry from 2013 until 2015. We are truly grateful for John’s ministry and wisdom.
John was the beloved husband of Ann, and father to two adult children, Chris and Jen. We ask that you remember John’s family in your prayers at this time, as well as John’s colleagues in the Sparkenhoe West Deanery and the communities he served.
The Revd Jonny Gordon, Rector in the Benefice of Newbold de Verdun, Barlestone, Kirkby Mallory and Peckleton, and good friend of John, writes, ‘John has been a faithful minister of Christ for over 30 years within the Diocese of Leicester. He was what I called a “holy irritant”, a man driven by justice and a passion to demonstrate the person and love of Jesus, with very little time for titles and hierarchy or pomp and ceremony. No matter who he came face to face with, John treated all he met equally, whether that be a Bishop, an MP or a 3yr old. His wife Annie, his children Chris and Jen, and all his family, alongside our congregations and the people of Barlestone and beyond, were at the heart of all he did. John’s life and ministry was deeply embedded in his local parish. His life has been a true demonstration of what it is to be a Deacon, a Priest and, most importantly, a beloved child of God. We celebrate who he was and all he has done. John will be deeply missed.’
John’s funeral is to be held on Saturday 13 December 2025, at 10:30am, at St Giles Barlestone, to which all are welcome.